Putnam books dream Open return

Andrew Putnam will get the chance to return to his favourite Championship after claiming one of three qualifying spots for The 151st Open on offer at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday.

Putnam, Adam Schenk and Lee Hodges qualified as the three highest finishers at the Memorial not already exempt for next month’s Championship at Royal Liverpool.

A final-round 70 secured a share of fifth place on four-under for Putnam, whose only previous Open appearance saw him finish in a tie for 32nd at Royal Portrush four years ago.

The top four of Viktor Hovland, Denny McCarthy, Scottie Scheffler and Si Woo Kim were already in the field for Hoylake, together with Putnam’s fellow fifth-place finisher, 2017 Champion Golfer Jordan Spieth.

As a result, Putnam’s placing was enough to earn a much-yearned-for second trip to golf’s original Championship.

“I tell everyone that [The Open] is my favourite tournament that I’ve ever played,” said a delighted Putnam.

“I still use the ball marker and divot repair tool from Portrush for every round. I have some great memories.”

Putnam will be joined at Royal Liverpool by Schenk and Hodges, who took the remaining qualifying places by finishing tied-seventh and tied-12th respectively.

Schenk was alongside Rory McIlroy at three-under, a shot behind Putnam and Spieth, and can now look forward to a lifetime first.

“I’ve never played overseas and it will be incredible to be there,” he said.

Hodges had a one-under aggregate for the week and edged out David Lipsky for the final qualifying place thanks to the former's higher position in the Official World Golf Ranking.